We are taking train/bus from Lisbon to Lagos and then on to Salema for 4 nights. If we want to see Sagres etc... will we need a rental car? Would those of you who have been to this area suggest this...or is it just as easy to take a bus, taxi or Uber?
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1885 posts
In a word, yes, you need a car. Buses are infrequent and distances are too far for taxi or uber.
Posted by
406 posts
Unless you plan to stay in Salema for the duration a car will make day trips a lot easier.
There are buses but they can be cumbersome and time consuming.
Vamus is the Algarve bus carrier, some town's have their own local bus service.
https://www.vamusalgarve.pt/#/pt/vamus%20algarve/network-map
Posted by
3011 posts
We had a car but met several people who traveled to Algarve by train. They traveled to Algarve by train and located themselves in Lagos. I don’t think they left Lagos.
We did use an uber (actually a Bolt) in Algarve as we did a hike one way and needed to return to where our car was parked. We located ourselves in front of a hotel (we weren’t actually staying there) and it was seamless. The driver spoke perfect English and chatted with us where people from different nationalities stay. So certainly ride services are another possibility.
We were there in October and certainly at that time of year the driving was easy.
Posted by
USA
704 posts
I used Bolt to get from Lagos to Portimao one day and to Benagil another. I also used Bolt to get me back from the end of the seven valleys hanging trail to Carvoeiro, then back to Lagos after a few hours.
I don't want to rent a car in Portugal, so when I go again later this year, I'll use some form/variety of public transportation to get to Sagres, which I missed on my last trip.